2025 Global workforce guide: How to hire and manage international teams

Remote jobs are far from dead in 2025. According to a recent survey analyzing over 62,000 job postings on Indeed, certain roles and industries are leading the way in offering fully remote  positions, bucking the RTO (return to office) trend. A study by Fullstack Academy highlights the most prevalent remote jobs, while data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sheds light on  industries most affected by labor shortages, potentially accelerating the adoption of remote work.

Furthermore, around 35% of workers across industries in the U.S. now have the option to work remotely every day of the week. This shift reflects a broader transformation in workplace flexibility and business operations. Companies must adapt to these trends to remain competitive in hiring and retaining top talent.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the benefits and challenges of remote work and explore strategies for hiring and managing remote teams effectively.

Table of contents

  1. The importance of managing fully remote teams
  2. Effective sourcing and screening of remote talent
  3. Expanding to a global talent pool
  4. Essential software for remote team management
  5. How to avoid burnout in remote work
 

The importance of managing fully remote teams

Managing fully remote teams requires a deliberate approach to communication, collaboration, and performance monitoring. Clear communication channels are vital to ensure that all team members are aligned with organizational goals and understand their individual responsibilities. Regular virtual meetings, utilizing video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, can foster a sense of community and facilitate real-time collaboration. Additionally, implementing project management software such as Asana, Trello, or ClickUp can help track progress and maintain accountability across the team.

It is also crucial to establish clear documentation and guidelines for workflows. Platforms like Notion and Confluence allow teams to create shared knowledge bases, ensuring that everyone has access to essential information.


Effective sourcing and screening of remote talent

Expanding your recruitment efforts to a global talent pool allows you to find the best candidates regardless of their location. To effectively source remote talent, consider utilizing top hiring platforms such as LinkedIn, We Work Remotely, Remote OK, and AngelList. For hiring freelancers, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal provide access to highly skilled independent professionals.

When screening candidates, assess not only their technical skills but also their ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and manage their time efficiently. Incorporating behavioral interview questions and practical assessments can provide insights into a candidate’s suitability for remote work. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Greenhouse, Lever, and Workable can help streamline the hiring process by organizing applications and automating communication.

Ready to start building an international team? Contact us, and our global hiring expert will help you hire employees in 71+ countries without the need of setting up an entity. Onboarding takes less than 1-2 weeks!

 

Expanding to a global talent pool

By embracing remote work, organizations can tap into a diverse and expansive talent pool. This approach not only increases the chances of finding the right skill sets but also brings in varied perspectives that can drive innovation. However, it’s important to be mindful of time zone differences and cultural variations. Establishing overlapping work hours and promoting cultural awareness within the team can mitigate potential challenges and enhance collaboration.

Managing remote teams across multiple countries requires careful planning to ensure compliance, payroll accuracy, and seamless operations. Below, we explore key hurdles companies face when hiring internationally:

Navigating local labor laws

When hiring employees from different countries, businesses must comply with the labor laws of the employee’s location—not the employer’s home country. Each region has its own regulations regarding working hours, benefits, tax obligations, and employee rights. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to legal and financial risks. To mitigate compliance challenges, many companies partner with Employer of Record (EOR) services, which handle contracts, benefits, and legal obligations on their behalf.

Managing global payroll & tax regulations

International payroll management is far more complex than domestic payroll, particularly when hiring across multiple countries. Each location has distinct minimum wage laws, tax structures, and payroll processing regulations. For instance, employees in Germany have specific social security deductions, while workers in Brazil require unique tax handling. Additionally, companies must ensure compliance with employee classification laws to avoid penalties for misclassifying workers as independent contractors.

To streamline payroll and avoid costly mistakes, many companies opt for global payroll providers, which offer automated tax filing, currency conversion, and localized payroll solutions.

Ensuring seamless cross-border payments

Paying remote employees across different countries means dealing with multiple currencies, banking systems, and transaction fees. Some regions have limited payment options, which can delay salary disbursement or lead to higher costs. Companies must establish efficient payment systems using trusted platforms like TechRemote, which ensure secure, compliant, and timely payments worldwide.


Essential software for remote team management

Technology plays a crucial role in making remote work seamless and efficient. Here are some essential tools for managing remote teams effectively:

  • Project Management: Asana, Monday.com, ClickUp, Trello
  • Communication & Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom
  • Document Sharing & Storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, Notion
  • Time Tracking & Productivity: Toggl, Clockify, RescueTime
  • HR & Payroll Solutions: TechRemote
 

Cost savings on office space

One of the significant advantages of remote work is the potential for cost savings on office space. By reducing the need for physical office locations, companies can allocate resources to other critical areas such as technology, employee development, or competitive salaries. This financial flexibility can be a substantial benefit, especially for startups and small businesses looking to optimize their budgets.

Avoiding burnout in remote teams

While remote work offers flexibility, it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to burnout. To prevent this, encourage employees to establish a dedicated workspace, set regular working hours, and take scheduled breaks. Promote a culture that values work-life balance and recognizes the importance of mental health. Regular check-ins and providing access to wellness resources can also support employee well-being.

Studies show that 69% of remote employees experience symptoms of burnout. Companies can help mitigate this by setting clear expectations around availability, discouraging after-hours work, and offering mental health support programs.

Workplace distractions cost businesses a staggering $600 billion annually. However, remote work creates an environment where employees can focus on deep work, leading to greater efficiency and fewer interruptions. In fact, 58% of executives confirm that remote employees achieve their goals faster and with higher accuracy.

 

Despite concerns about productivity, the evidence is clear—remote work empowers employees to perform at their best, meet objectives more effectively, and drive organizational success. By embracing remote work, businesses can unlock higher efficiency, improve retention, and boost profitability on a global scale.

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Further Reading